About Radon Testing

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Radon is a radioactive gas released by the breakdown of naturally occurring Uranium in the soil. Levels can vary from home to home depending on the amount of Uranium in the soil, the soil composition, construction methods, and even the weather. In the homes I’ve inspected, levels have ranged from 0.4 to 42.5 picocuries per Liter (pCi/L). The EPA recommends remediation at 4.0 pCi/L and above. According to the Kansas Radon Program, 25% of Kansas homes have high levels of Radon. Mitigation systems in our area usually consist of a 3″ PVC pipe installed in the concrete floor with a fan that pulls out radon and vents it outdoors. Mitigation costs generally range from $850 to $1,500. If levels come back above 4.0 pCi/L, sellers traditionally pay for mitigation system installation.

By state statute, home buyers are strongly encouraged to have a radon test done as part of their home purchasing contract. In View Inspection charges $125 for a radon test if it’s performed in conjunction with a whole home inspection. ($150 for a radon test only without an inspection) There is a mileage charge for tests further than 25 miles from our office since it involves 2 trips.  In View Inspection utilizes the fastest, most professional, electronic continuous radon monitoring system available. Radon readings are taken every hour; along with temperature, barometric pressure, and several other tamper detection sensors. At the conclusion of the 48 hour test period, readings are processed and emailed immediately in a detailed PDF report to clients and/or their Realtor.

Even if you’re not personally worried about radon levels, it makes sense to test and, if radon levels are high, have a mitigation system installed before you purchase a home. That way you can live in a healthier home and avoid paying to install a mitigation system when you sell the home.

You can read more about radon from the EPA at:
https://www.epa.gov/…/…/files/2015-05/documents/hmbuygud.pdf

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